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A few must-visit wine farms in the Robertson Wine Valley.
Wine-Lovers, this one is for you! The swirls, nosing the wine for its aroma, engaging in wine conversations, and more are all a part of the whole experience of wine, including visiting The Robertson Wine Valley within the Western Cape for the best-kept secrets and gems that exist at the wine farms. Just to bring it home, South African wine has a rich history with wine that dates back to 1659, where the 1st bottle was produced in Cape Town, and we are in the top ten list of the worlds largest wine producers.
I am no sommelier, but I do enjoy a great glass of wine ( whatever you would define as great..), with the views of the mountains, vines or even seaside. The Western Cape, or should we say the Winelands is home to over 300 vineyards; I’ve handpicked a few must-visit gems that are understated and include very distinct experiences within The Robertson Wine Valley:
1. Esona Wine
Esona Wine is a boutique wine estate that means “The very one” in isiXhosa. It is run by a couple, Rowan & Caryl, who you will probably frequently run into when you visit their quaint and picturesque wine estate. It is located in Robertson and what makes it stand out for me is its vertical tasting in the unique centuries-old tasting room which was their old wine tank many years ago called The Kuip. Prepare to savour the experience surrounded by a few local art pieces that you can purchase, music that sets the scene for every wine and storytelling. All the wines are served in just the right glass, a Riedel glass that ties in the experience flawlessly, especially when you start to taste just why drinking your wine in the right glass matters. It’s a storybook setting, and after your tasting, you get to take a walk upstairs surrounded by the vineyards at Caryls Bistro.
Book on www.esona.co.za & make use of the Wine Valley Safari when exploring the Robertson Wine Valley on www.winevalleysafari.com
2. Silverthorn wines
Let’s talk bubbly or Methode Cap Classique (MCC), as we call it in South Africa. Silverthorn wines is a dedicated bubble producer who is on the banks of the Brier River in Robertson. The farm is dedicated to just making bubbles. They have a dedicated tasting room, and because they are also a boutique wine farm, the tour is informative, engaging and feels like home. You get a close look at the process even before it is ready to be bottled and ready to shop. It helps to know that John Loubser, the producer of these bubbles, is a qualified MCC specialist passionate about his product and nature.
Book on www.silverthornwines.co.za & make use of the Wine Valley Safari when exploring the Robertson Wine Valley on www.winevalleysafari.com
3.Excelsior Wine Estate
Get ready to mix, bottle, cork, and label your own wine, all in a matter of an hour. This unique experience is available at Excelsior wine estate and is a must-do for the Robertson wine valley. The estate is set along mountains and dams where you could easily spot some horses roaming around while you enjoy a glass out on the deck which overlooks the dam. Simply, perfect and an excellent experience for a gift or souvenir of your day.
The estate has excellent accommodation options, and your experience can be booked on www.excelsior.co.za
4.Van Loveren Family Vineyards
The drive up to the vineyard with palm trees and the Langeberg mountains peaking through is the 1st sign that you have arrived at this modern, leading family-owned winery. From the minute you step inside, you feel like family greeted with smiling eyes and a welcome drink. The service is superb with engaged staff such as Freda, who’s guided me twice already at the estate while on the garden tour, which is a must-do here. You have a wide variety of options to choose from when having your wine tasting, surrounded by the spectacular garden encircling you.
You can book on www.vanloveren.co.za
5. Rietvallei Wine Estate
7 generations make up this wine estate. It is a beautiful space to enjoy and savour, whether inside or inside; It is all about the heritage, legacy wines and one of my favourite cheese platters I’ve ever tasted in the area. It, too, is family owned and it felt great being able to get a though row storytelling session as we arrived. Your surroundings teleport you to enchanting places, especially with a glass in hand. I wish I had explored it a little longer than I did, but I know for sure that I will be back.
You can book on www.rietvallei.co.za
6. Jan Harmsgat
Jan Harmsgat is situated at the Southernmost tip of the Robertson Wine Valley and conducts its wine tasting on its 4.4 vineyards and wine-tasting experience overlooking the Langeberg mountains. The farm is a working farm where wine, pecans and pomegranates are farmed. They grow a variety of single block wines, and what makes these experiences so unique is being able to have your experience as the sun sets within nature. It’s peaceful & a great escape to some of the busier farms.
The farm has a few accommodation options, and your experience can be booked with your tasting on www.janharmsgat.com
